The Video Toaster is a good idea if you can find one.
Differences between the PAL and NTSC G-Lock is the video system they support. As I recall, they're not easily changable between the two standards. If your friend is on a US carrier, they'll probably be using NTSC, so a PAL G-Lock probably won't help.
Just remembered I have a
DCTV (NTSC version), working, with disks that you can have for the price of freight. Not a genlock, but quite cool all the same if you want to mess with video.
